Matt Cardle wins!

*Matt Cardle won The X Factor 2010*

Malaria, motherhood, hysteria, gay awakenings – the drama can only mean one thing… the return of The X Factor, series number seven and still no sign of it running out of steam.

Not even missing the last Christmas Number 1 can suggest interest in the reality TV colossus is dwindling.

Simon Cowell is back to preside over more shattered dreams, misguided wannabes and the occasional diamond in the rough. And this time he has a gallery of guest celebrity judges to keep the celebrity wattage turned up to maximum.

In the audition stages X Factor fans will see Geri Halliwell, Nicole Scherzinger, Pixie Lott, Natalie Imbruglia and Katy Perry add their tuppence-worth to the judging panel, ensuring the show evades any sense of samey-ness.

Former Pussycat Doll Nicole is delighted to be a part of the ITV1 show. “I got my first break from American Popstars, which was at the forefront of the whole pop reality phenomenon… I waited till 4 in the morning in a long line of people and I sang in front of the judges and the rest is history,” she said.

“I wanted to make sure I put a lot of my heart and thoughts into the auditions, not only as an artist, but as someone who has been there and done it professionally.”

Cowell reiterates that they’re looking for more than just a singing voice on The X Factor. “It’s charisma, personality, being unique, entertaining, all those things rolled into one.”

While the judges are coy about what the auditions will uncover, Kay Perry hints that the well of talent hasn’t dried up yet. “I think there is one act in Dublin that can go all the way,” she says.

Add in a new Xtra Factor host, Konnie Huq, and The X Factor has the makings of another runaway ratings winner – and that’s BEFORE Dannii Minogue returns from maternity leave and Cheryl Cole returns from her nasty bout of malaria.

Log on to whatsontv.co.uk for all the news, gossip, photos, video and results of The X Factor 2010 as the drama unfolds.